Ophthalmic Surgical Device and a Method of Performing Ophthalmic Surgery

Abstract

The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical device for the treatment of glaucoma. The device comprises a fiber connector and a fiber. The fiber is provided with a proximal end connected to the fiber connector. Further, the fiber is provided, near its distal end, with a notch. Preferably, the distal end of the fiber forms a rounded tip.

1 . An ophthalmic surgical device for the treatment of glaucoma, comprising a fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fiber is provided, near its proximal end, with a light source. 
     
     
         2 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the fiber forms a rounded tip. 
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the fiber has a substantially constant diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the rounded tip. 
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the fiber is provided, near its distal end, with a notch. 
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the light source is integrated with the fiber's distal end. 
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the light source is a disposable unit. 
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a LED. 
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is received in a sterile package. 
     
     
         9 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 2 , wherein the fiber is provided with a notch located close to the rounded tip. 
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 3 , wherein the substantially constant diameter of the fiber is smaller than about 0.2 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , wherein a distal end section of the fiber is free of a coating layer. 
     
     
         12 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fiber connector being connected to the fiber's proximal end. 
     
     
         13 . A method of performing ophthalmic surgery, comprising the steps of:
 forming an incision in the eye's Schlemm's canal;   inserting a fiber's distal end through the incision into the Schlemm's canal;   advancing the fiber's distal end around in the Schlemm's canal;   attaching a suture to the fiber's distal end;   retracting the fiber backwardly through the Schlemm's canal; and   connecting the suture ends.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 13 , further including the step of illuminating the fiber while advancing the fiber's distal end in the Schlemm's canal. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the suture ends are connected under tension.